Dayo Odeyingbo has already given Bears fans a reason to pay attention again, and Saturday’s preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans gives him another shot to keep that momentum rolling.
After disappearing for much of the conversation around him, Odeyingbo popped back up in Chicago’s second preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals with back-to-back pressures. For a player who went down with a season-ending injury halfway through last season and had only one sack in eight games before that, it was the kind of showing that can change the temperature around a player fast.
Now he gets one more chance to build on it.
That matters because the Titans have their own storyline hanging over this matchup, and it centers on quarterback Cam Ward. In a conversation with FanSided’s Titans expert Justin Melo at Titan Sized, Ward was the name he pointed to without hesitation as the player Tennessee fans most want to see bounce back.
"It has to be QB Cam Ward. He's been subpar at best through two preseason games, leading to some questions and concerns. A strong performance heading into Week 1 would ease minds."
That gives this game a little extra bite. Odeyingbo is trying to keep climbing after his strong showing against Cincinnati, while Ward is trying to quiet the doubts that have followed him through the first two preseason games.
For Bears fans, the box score doesn’t have to be flashy. Odeyingbo’s reputation has long been tied more to pressure than pure sack totals, and that could be exactly what makes him dangerous here. If he keeps getting into the backfield and forcing Ward into rushed throws or bad decisions, that’s enough to keep the positive buzz around him alive.
And if Ward struggles again, it only sharpens the contrast. Bears fans would love nothing more than to see Odeyingbo come out of this one looking like a player on the rise while the Titans’ quarterback picture gets a little murkier.
Two good preseason games in a row would go a long way for Odeyingbo, especially for a player some fans have already stamped as a failed signing from Ryan Poles. Another couple of pressures would keep the momentum moving. A sack would send the excitement up another notch entirely.
In Other News...
Ben Johnson Brought An Unexpected Defensive Voice To Bears Practice
Sean McDermott was on the sideline for Bears-Titans joint practice this week, taking in the work as a guest of Ben Johnson while continuing a year away from coaching after his firing by Buffalo in January. For Chicago, it was a notable addition to the practice setting, with an experienced former head coach watching one of the teams most useful summer sessions and adding another layer of outside perspective around Johnsons staff.
McDermott has been making the rounds at different teams as he looks to learn and stay ready for whatever comes next, and his presence immediately sparked chatter among Bears fans about whether a consulting role could be in the cards. For now, though, there is no indication he is joining the coaching staff this season, leaving his visit as an interesting snapshot rather than a sign of anything imminent. [Read more 🡒]
Bears Camp Suddenly Has One Problem Fans Cant Ignore
The Bears wrapped up their second and final joint practice with the Titans on Thursday, and the session had the usual training-camp mix of sharp plays, some testiness and a few injury scares. Chicago got encouraging work from several players, too, with tight ends Loveland and Sam Roush flashing, defensive back Cam Lewis coming up with an interception and quarterback Williams delivering a strong passing day that offered a reminder of why the offense still has so much upside.
Even with those bright spots, the left tackle spot continues to loom as the camp issue that keeps drawing the eye. Braxton Jones has struggled in practice, and in a session that already featured physical moments and injuries to Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson, the pressure on Chicagos protection plan only feels heavier. The Bears have enough talent to make practice look good in stretches, but the longer the left side wobbles, the harder it is to ignore. [Read more 🡒]
Bears Suddenly Have A Real Backfield Decision Behind Roschon Johnson
Salvon Ahmed has made a real case for himself in Chicagos preseason, turning two games into a resume that looks a lot more useful than a typical camp body. He has run for 53 yards and added 69 receiving yards with a touchdown, production that has stood out while the Bears sort through the back half of their running back room.
Roschon Johnson still sits near the center of that picture, but Ahmeds emergence has added some intrigue to the 53-man roster puzzle. With another running back injured, Chicago suddenly has to decide whether Ahmed has done enough to stick as a backup option, and the answer could say plenty about how the Bears want to structure their depth behind Johnson. [Read more 🡒]